Western Digital (NASDAQ: WDC) stock surged 15.8% today after CNBC reported that computer memory chip prices, particularly for DRAM, are set to rise further in 2026 due to AI demand. While Western Digital does not produce DRAM, investors are betting that increasing DRAM prices could lead AI companies to seek cheaper alternatives like HDDs, benefiting Western Digital. Despite the surge, the author suggests Micron (NASDAQ: MU) presents a more compelling bargain due to its higher projected earnings growth rate.

Synopsys (SNPS) shares rose 2.9% to $508.47, driven by renewed AI optimism in the chip sector and the company's announcements at CES 2026 regarding new automotive engineering partnerships and virtual testing tools. The company highlighted collaborations with Samsung, NXP Semiconductors, Texas Instruments, and Arm, and projected strong fiscal 2026 revenue. Investors are also anticipating CEO Sassine Ghazi's comments at CES and the upcoming earnings report.

The U.S. DOT and FAA have selected Collins Aerospace's RTX and Spanish firm Indra to replace up to 612 outdated ground-based aviation radars with modern systems by June 2028. This modernization is a core part of the multi-billion-dollar "Brand New Air Traffic Control System" (BNATCS) plan, aiming to update the U.S. air traffic control infrastructure to address decades-old equipment, high maintenance costs, and concerns over flight delays and safety. The effort also includes replacing radios, voice switches, and transitioning to fiber optics, although additional funding is still needed for critical components like a common automation platform.

Apple shares fell 1.8% to $262.34 following signals of the slowest App Store revenue growth in 11 quarters, according to BofA. Investors are closely monitoring Apple's services performance, especially as the company's valuation relies heavily on growth beyond hardware sales. Upcoming events include the U.S. December jobs report on January 9 and Apple’s fiscal Q1 results on January 29, which will provide further clarity on the company's financial trajectory.

Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C., a shareholder rights law firm, reminds investors that class action lawsuits have been filed against Blue Owl Capital, Inc. (NYSE:OWL), Gauzy Ltd (NASDAQ:GAUZ), and Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE). The firm encourages investors in these companies to contact them to potentially serve as lead plaintiff. The lawsuits allege that the respective companies made materially false and/or misleading statements regarding their business operations and prospects.

Dow Inc. has appointed Andre Argenton as the new Chief Technology and Sustainability Officer, effective January 1, 2026, replacing A.N. Sreeram who retires on June 30, 2026. This announcement comes as Dow's stock (DOW) is set to achieve a new record closing high, indicating strong market performance. The change in leadership was reported in a recent SEC filing.

Arista Networks is experiencing a surge in demand for its AI-focused networking gear, bolstering its investment narrative through new hyperscale design wins and positive analyst views. CEO Jayshree Ullal has sold significant stock, but this doesn't fundamentally change the core investment thesis driven by AI data center buildouts. The company's future growth relies on maintaining its role in high-speed Ethernet for AI and cloud data centers, despite risks like customer concentration within hyperscale clients.

InterDigital (IDCC) shares fell about 7.3% following news of an officer's proposed sale of 1,000 shares and ongoing legal battles, specifically a patent dispute with Amazon. The company's business relies heavily on patent licensing, making court rulings and policy shifts critical. Investors are closely watching the Amazon patent dispute, the upcoming dividend record date, and early-February earnings.

T-Mobile US has signed an amended and restated credit agreement to expand and extend its unsecured revolving credit facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank and other lenders. The facility increases to $10.0 billion from $7.5 billion and extends maturity to January 5, 2031, enhancing the company's liquidity and financial flexibility. Borrowings will bear interest based on benchmark rates plus a margin tied to T-Mobile's debt rating.

Teradyne shares soared to an all-time high after the company unveiled its robotic palletizing solution at CES 2026 in collaboration with Siemens. This solution optimizes palletizing performance and accelerates automation deployment. Additionally, Teradyne is expanding its U.S. operations with a new hub in Wixom, Michigan, to meet the surging demand for robotics in the country.